NORTHPORT, Alabama -- Tuscaloosa County didn’t make the big plays Friday night, but they made the ones that mattered. The Wildcats (9-2) came back from an early 14-point deficit to defeat visiting Gardendale 38-28 in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs.

Gardendale opened the game with a 98-yard kick return for a touchdown by running back Juan Jackson. After forcing a fumble, the Rockets scored two plays later on a double pass from receiver Connor Reed to tight end Jesse Blackburn.

“We weren’t ready to play,” said Wildcats head coach Lee Gibson of his team’s slow start. “We had to refocus and start to play like we did all season.”

The Rockets’ early lead didn’t last long as senior receiver Tylan Perry caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Gates. Ted Colburn and Derrick Burns each added a rushing touchdown before Gates connected with Perry again on the last play of the half for a 30-yard catch-and-run touchdown.

“I knew I was going to get a bunch of touches,” said Perry, “but we couldn’t do it without the offensive line. It was a good win tonight.”

The Wildcats' offensive line was a strong point, not allowing any sacks and allowing only two plays for negative yards. The Wildcats struggled holding on to the ball, fumbling four times and losing two. The Rockets capitalized on only one of the turnovers.

The play of the game came in the fourth quarter with just under five minutes remaining. The Wildcats’ defense knocked the ball loose from Rockets’ running back Jordan Howard. Tuscaloosa County went three and out on its next possession, but used enough clock to stop any chance of a comeback by Gardendale.

Tylan Perry finished with 160 total yards and two touchdowns for the Wildcats. Gates threw for 237 yards and three touchdowns on 16 completions. Gates found wide open junior receiver Allen Cooks for 14 yards, the final touchdown of the game.

“Hats off to County,” said Rockets’ head coach Chris Fancher. “They’re a great football and will make a deep run into the playoffs.”

Gardendale finishes 7-4. Tuscaloosa County will visit Clay Chalkville next week in the second round.